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ew Testament Soldiers 


A Few Sidelights on some 
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PRESENTED BY 
Edwin S. Barnett 


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A FEW SIDELIGHTS 


On Some 


NEW TESTAMENT SOLDIERS 


By 
EDWIN S. BARNETT 


COP wa | G Hee By 





PHILADELPHIA 
1925 


Dedication 


HIS book is dedicated by 
the author to those who 
have helped or hindered 
him in his progress through life. 


Foreword 
T HE author of this volume, Mr. Edwin 


S. Barnett, has chosen a most inter- 

esting, but somewhat neglected theme. 
New Testament readershave been favorably 
impressed by the fairness and manliness 
of the Roman soldiers mentioned therein. 
With scarcely an exception they appear to 
be men of excellent character, as well as of 
unusual military fitness. 

While strict in the discharge of their duties, 
they lack the cruelty generally found in the 
soldier of that time. 

Harshness and oppression against Chris- 
tians, an outlawed class of society, are lacking; 
kindness and consideration are frequently 
shown. Mr. Barnett has made an exhaustive 
study of the lives of these men, of whose 
personal history we know so little. 

He has gathered together all the authentic 
facts that have been discovered concerning 
them, together with the principal traditions 
that have been handed down from the distant 
past. 

The author has sifted his material care- 
fully and has recorded only that which he 
believes to be trustworthy. 

Every lover of the Bible will welcome this 
book, which has been prepared with so much 
care and which gives evidence of such patient. 
research. 

JOHN CALHOUN. 


Mt. Airy Presbyterian Church. 
August 6, 1926. 


A FEW SIDELIGHTS ON 
SOME NEW TESTAMENT SOLDIERS 


HILE possibly many of the descriptions, stories 

Y} or traditions related concerning the following 

soldiers are or may befound more or less scattered 

through various books of reference, the author hopes to 

gather in this modest volume a few facts for the edification 

and instruction of those desiringtolearn more of this little 

known and spoken of class of society, especially in the 
time of our SAviouR and the early apostolic church. 


It is quite noticeable in a close study of these military 
characters, that while perhaps some of the rank and file 
were coarse, tyrannical and cruel, the officers seem to have 
been men of some education, also consideration for the 
manners, customs, laws and religions (excepting when the 
two latter did not openly conflict with those of Romr) and 
frequently tried to make the rule of the Empirz less odious 
and galling to the conquered people. It is especially re- 
markable that our Savrour had but little trouble with the 
RomaN soldiers, who we learn from writers contemporary 
with the New TrstaMEnt, had a profound respect and 
regard for Him and His teaching, even from the time that 
Herop ordered the “SLAUGHTER OF THE INNOCENTS.’ 
(Although we can see in it a fulfillment of numerous 
prophecies and a part of Gon’s plan for the salvation of 
the world) when the legionaries according to some tradi- 
tions, killed the son of Hrrop himself, rather than the 
infant Curist, who was known at the time to be in easy 
reach of the imperial troops, down to His glorious resur- 
rection, we hear of but little unnecessary violence, barring 
the events of the last week of Curist’s earthly ministry. 
His arrest, mockery, scourging and crucifixion were per- 
formed by the soldiers it is true, but they had been undoubt- 
edly bribed or hired to do the first three mentioned by the 
leaders of the JEws and the death penalty, in whatever 
form employed, was never allowed by the ImpErRIAu 
government to be carried out by the conquered nation. 


4 


While Many of these soldiers undoubtedly obeyed with- 
out hesitation the behests of the spiritual rulers of the 
JEWISH nation, their officers did not seem so prone to 
attempt needless or unnecessary violence to one whom 
they noticed did little or nothing to incite the populace 
to revolt against the laws or sway of Romr. Then too, 
there is the possibility that while the legionaries and sub- 
alterns were largely ignorant or unmarried men, liable to 
be ordered about from one part of the Roman Empire to 
another, the centurions and higher officers it is known or 
may be presumed, married among the Jews and later 
among the CHRISTIANS, consequently were disposed to be 
more lenient toward our Saviour, His followers and His 
doctrines. 


Some months ago there was an article published by a 
Parisian newspaper, Le Matin, which was supposed to 
have been translated from a LATIN manuscript found in 
the Vatican LIBRARY containing among other items, a 
Roman officer’s report made to the royal proconsul at 
JERUSALEM, by name Pusirus Lentuuus, who has been 
thought to be the predecessor of Pontius Prnrate. The 
part descriptive of CuRIST’s appearance reads as follows: 
—* Hf has long fair hair falling in curls on the shoulders. 
They are parted in the middle. Curistus wears the 
double pointed beard, which is fairer than the hair. His 
eyes are light blue and wear a kind expression; but at 
times they flash under the stress of temper. HE is of 
normal build and stands erect. The voice is soft. HE 
was never seen to laugh, but people often saw Him weep. 
His hands are very well kept. Hb is called Jusus, the 
son of Mary, while His friends call Him the Son of Gop.”’ 


From the foregoing, it would seem that the RoMAan 
officials had more than a passing regard for Christ, for had 
He been an average JEWISH priest or teacher, it is hardly 
possible they would have taken any great notice of Him 
or His work. 


Let us now glance at some of those soldiers and their 
officers who had to do with Curist and His life here on 


5 


earth and whose names appear here and there in the 
GospEts, Acts of the AposTLEs, and in St. Patt’s 
EPISTLES. 


Among the more prominent references to soldiers and 
military men in the New TEstaMEnt are as follows:— 


(1) Souprers ordered to kill Curist when an infant. 
SEE St. MattTuew 2:16. 


(2) Sotprers advised by St. Joun the Baptist to do 
violence tono man. St. Luke 3:14. 


(3) CENTURION whose servant Curist healed. See St. 
Marruew 8:5-13, St. Luxe 7-10. 


(4) CENTURION who testified at Curist’s death about 
Him being the Son of Gop. See Sr. MattHeEw 27:54, 
St. Marx 15:39, St. LuKE 23:47. 


(5) SotprER who pierced Curist’s side with a spear. 
See St. JoHN 19:34. 

(6) SotpreRs who arrested Curist in the GARDEN of 
GETHSEMANE and who later guarded Him during 
His trial, and who took part in the scourging and 
mockery inflicted by order of PrLatE and HErop. 
See St. Matrrurew 26:47-50 inclusive, St. MatrrHEew 
27 :26-38 inclusive, St. Marx 15:15—20 inclusive, St. 
LuKE 22:47-54 inclusive, St. Luke 3:11-25, 33-37 
inclusive, St. JoHN 18:12 & 13, St. Jonnw 19:1-25 
inclusive. 

(7) SouprERS who guarded Curist’s tomb between His 
burial and resurreclion. See St. MatTtHEw 27 :62-66 
inclusive, St. MatTtHEw 28:11-15 inclusive. 


(8) CoRNELIUS, a centurion mentioned in Acts 10th 
CHAPTER. 


(9) SouprERS who guarded St. Peter while he was a 
prisoner during the first persecution of the apostolic 
church. See Acts 12th CuHaprter. 


(10) Who was chief captain (or centurion possibly) 
Cxiaupius Lysias mentioned in Acts 21:31-40 inel., 


6 


Acts 22:24-29 incl., Acts 23:10-380 incl., Acts 24 
verses 7 & 22? 


(11) Who was soldier mentioned in Acts 24 verse 23? 


(12) Who was JuLIUusS, a centurion of AuGustus’ band? 
mentioned in Acts 27th CHAPTER? 


(13) Who was captain of guard mentioned in Acts 28:16? 
(14) Who was URBANE (mentioned in Romans 16:9)? 


(15 & 16) Canthe names of Vitatis and Cretsus, CuRIs- 
TIAN guards of St. Pau, be identified with any 
BIBLIcaL characters? 


(17) Puprns, mentioned in 2nd Timortuy 4:21. 


Concerning the first three characters or references 
spoken of in the foregoing table of contents, there is 
practically no information which is reliable. 


Of the fourth, we have but little more than his tradi- 
tional name, Petronius. He first comes into prominence 
as the centurion who was in charge of the soldiers who 
crucified Curist and the two thieves. Whether his name 
actually was PETRONIUs or not we are not quite positive, 
but the author Paprnr in his Lire or Curist, page 376, 
asserts that it was, and further goes onto say that he was 
one of the first four converts made by Curist among the 
GENTILES, and these were led to accept His teachings 
and doctrines within a few hours of His death. THE 
others were the Lapy Procuta, wife of Pontius PILATE, 
the Roman governor, the soldier who pierced Curist’s 
side to insure the fact that HE was actually dead, and to 
whom has been given the name of LoNeINus by early 
traditions (See REFERENCE 5), and lastly Dismas the 
penitent thief. 

Would it be too much for us to assume that on account 
of the expressed views and opinions of the Lapy PRocuLa 
and Prtrrontus that although unrelated by any historian 
or writer of whom we at present have knowledge, lead us 
to suppose that these two GENTILES must have met 
before Curist’s trial and discussed at some length the 
guilt or innocence of the prisoner. Then too it is quite 


fi 


possible that on account of his position in the RoMAN 
army, he would be admitted to the trial, and that the 
Lapy Procu ta, either by virtue of her position as wife of 
the GovERNOR, or through other channels, managed to 
hear or see much that was transpiring at the scene; and as 
is frequently the case when much excited or overwrought 
in our waking hours, our dreams but make more vivid 
or intensify these impressions, consequently she had it 
firmly stamped on her mind that the prisoner at her 
husband’s judgment seat was entirely innocent, and 
promptly acquainted him with the fact. 


Later, at the crucifixion, when Perronius heard and 
saw all the awful events connected with those dreadful 
hours, and related them to the Lapy Procuta, and she 
telling her version of it (as there is a likelihood that she 
too was an eye witness), it is extremely possibly that these 
two so-called PAGAN GENTILES were won completely over 
and converted to CuristTianity. Their after-life must 
undoubtedly have been filled with testimonies of their 
new faith and so exemplified with good deeds and noble 
living, that at their deaths (date and place at present 
unknown) they were canonized, Prrronius by the 
Cuurcu of Roms and Procuta by the GREEK CATHOLIC 
CHURCH, and great respect is paid to their memories. 


(5) The soldier occupying the fifth place in the “TABLE 
of ContENtTS”’ has been given the traditional name of 
Longinus by some of the carly writers of Courcu History. 
He is mentioned in St. Joun 19:34, being there spoken of © 
as the soldier who pierced Curist’s side with his spear. 


Whether or not this is his correct name is not known 
for acertainty, but we learn that in a miniature copy of 
the famous Syriac manuscript of the so-called LAuREN- 
TIAN LIBRARY at FLORENCE, ITALY, there is an illustration 
by an artist named Rasunas in the year 586 A. D., 
which portrays the scene described in St. JOHN’s account 
of the Crucifixion. ‘This pictures the subject of this 
sketch (St. Loneinus) in the act of thrusting the spear 
into Curist’s side, and directly over the soldier’s head 


8 


are inscribed the GREEK characters for the Latry word 
Lonerinus or Tue Houry Spear. It is recorded that pos- 
sibly the last miracle performed directly or indirectly by 
Curist before His death was wrought on St. LonGINnus. 
He had been afflicted with serious eyes before and up to 
the time of the crucifixion, when as he chanced to be 
either assisting to raise the cross or in passing under it, 
there were some drops of Curist’s blood either dropped 
or spurted into his diseased eyes, and immediately they 
were entirely healed. Also it is recorded that from 
thenceforth St. Loneinus was a devout Christian, living 
as a monk in Caesarea for twenty-eight years, when he too 
suffered martyrdom for his faith. It is supposed that Sr. 
Lonainus was the soldier who when Curist called out 
‘*T thirst,’ hastened to moisten His lips before HE expired. 

The head of this spear or lance was said to have been 
taken and hidden immediately after the crucifixion or 
was buried in the principal church in Antioch, from which 
it was taken by the besieged Crusaders under Peter of 
AMIENS, and proved to be their salvation when they 
battled against the Moslem armies of the PrincrE of Mosut 
in the various battles they fought in the year 1098, during 
the First Crusapz. After this the ““Hoty SPpEAR”’ so 
called disappeared for several years, and then came into 
possession of the SULTAN BaJsazeErt, who in turn passed it 
into the care and keeping of Porpr InNocrntT: I, from 
whom it is thought to have gone to the ARMENIAN Church 
at ETSCHMIADZIN. It is also related that this same spear 
or lance was kept together with the AUSTRIAN imperial 
insignia at VIENNA and was called the “‘Lance of Sr. 
Maurice.’ This weapon was used as early as the year 
1273, in the coronation ceremonies of the Emperors of 
the WresTERN RoMAN Empire, and as an emblem of in- 
vestiture even many years previous to that date. From 
VIENNA the relic drifted to NUREMBERG, GERMANY, in 
the year 1424, and was there called the “‘ Lance of Con- 
STANTINE”’ and fastened to it was a nail or a portion of 
a nail used in Curist’s crucifixion. Then there is a story 
told by an author named William of Malmesbury to the 


9 


effect that the famous FrENcH king, HugH Caprt, who 
reigned from 987-996 A. D., gave this same lance to King 
ATHLESTAN of England, but this has no foundation in 
fact. It is also reported that this lance or one identical 
with it has been preserved in one of the churches at 
Cracow, Pouanp, but that little is known of its earlier 
history. 

(6) The soldiers who guarded Curist at His arrest, 
during His trial, and on His way to Mount Calvary. 
Who were they? There are or have been no stories or 
traditions of any great value or consequence handed 
down to us through the years, and we must await Gop’s 
own way and time for revealing this information to us. 

(7) The soldiers who guarded Curist’s tomb from His 
burial to His resurrection. See St. MatrHew 27:62-66 
inclusive and St. MarruEw 28:11-15 inclusive. 

According to early traditions, the names of the four 
legionaries who performed this duty were Trrus, Rurus 
(the subject of our paragraph), Prpius, and Kagus. 
These are the names found in the English translations of 
the Latin and German works written on the so-called 
“Passion Play” of OBERAMMERGAU, that quaint and 
wonderful spectacle, that survival of the religious dramas 
once so prevalent throughout ENGLAND and the continent 
termed “THE Miracte Puays.” As before stated, 
Rurus is only one of the quartette of whom we have any 
information, scanty though it may be. These four men 
undoubtedly were chosen because of their known fidelity, 
ability and courage, and in all probablity Rurus appointed 
leader for reasons at present unknown to us. It was 
indeed a high and wonderfully blessed dispensation of 
PROVIDENCE to be thus permitted to be a spectator, 
although not an actual eye witness (for Gop had reasons 
of His own for not allowing weak, human eyes to behold 
so transcendant a sight) of our Lorp’s resurrection, after 
guarding His lifeless form from the time it was laid in 
JOSEPH’s new tomb, to which spot it had been borne by 
JosEPH and NicopEMus themselves, or under their per- 
sonal supervision, directly after PruatE had granted his 


10 


permission to these two rich and influential friends that 
they could have the body for burial. 

It is hard to imagine what thoughts must have passed 
through the minds of these soldiers as they either paced 
to and fro before the ponderous door sealed with the 
signet of imperial Rome, to break or remove which meant 
speedy death or severe cruel punishment, wondering just 
what these preparations meant or what would be the 
outcome, as we may well imagine that these soldiers 
had heard either from some one of the disciples or possibly 
from the lips of Curist himself the various prophecies 
concerning his death and resurrection, all of which had 
come to pass so far, and thinking whether or not this 
would really take place. In all probability, these men had 
heard the rumors to the effect that there was a likelihood 
of some of Curist’s disciples or friends coming to the 
sepulcher and stealing the body, then circulating the 
report that He had risen from the dead. Rurus was 
determined that nothing untoward would happen if in 
his power to prevent it so renewed his activities, redoubled 
his vigilance, while he took his regular turn at standing 
guard, was rewarded on the third morning very early 
by seeing the heavenly visitors descend to earth, and 
welcome their Lorp and Master back to life and light 
again once more on that glad EAsTEeR morning. 

The splendor and wonders connected with the resurrec- 
tion of Jesus produced such a profound impression on the 
mind of Rurus that shortly after he was won overto Chris- 
tianity, and we may have strong hopes to believe that 
he was in all likelihood a delighted and eager witness of 
CuRIst’s appearing to the five hundred spoken of in 
I Cor. 15:6 and later at our Lorp’s ascension. Later on 
in the years (although we have no positive evidence as 
to when, where and by what means) it is believed Rurus 
was brought into contact with St. Pau, who saw in him 
one worthy of a high place in the early church, and after 
a probationary period, appointed him to be the first 
Bishop of AvIGNon, at which place his name is honored 
and several relics belonging to him are displayed. 


1] 


(8) The centurion named Corneuius. See Acts 
CHAPTER 10. 

This officer was of a distinguished Roman family, being 
of the same line or stock as the Scipros and Sutua. While 
he was an ITALIAN in all probability, he bore this honored 
RoMAN name. He was stationed at CAESAREA as one of 
the commanders, if not indeed the tribune or centurion 
in command of the so-called “‘ITat1an Banp”’ or cohort, 
which had been recruited in ITAuy, and served to distin- 
guishitfrom other bands or cohorts that had been recruited 
locally ia PaLustiNE or elsewhere. Indeed, it is reported 
on excellent authority that a recently discovered inscrip- 
tion mentioning the “‘Conors 11 Iratica Crvium Roman- 
ORUM ”’ had been located in Syrta before the year 69 A. D. 
While CorNneE.ius was undoubtedly a devout man, fearing 
Gop and doing much to help those among whom his com- 
mand was stationed, and had become a JEWISH convert 
of the class known as a ‘‘Proselyte of the Gate’ or a 
GENTILE who worshipped JEHOVAH and observed some of 
the prescriptions of the JEwisH law, yet had noi been 
circumcised. We first meet Cornelius in Acts, 10th 
Chapter. Read the entire chapter to gather all the facts 
regarding the effect on the early Christian Church of the 
conversion and baptism of Cornelius and his family, also 
(may we safely assume) his fellow officers and soldiers 
of the [vaLIAN band and their admission to the Apostolic 
Church. This breaking down of religious prejudices and 
old established customs and ideas soon brought about 
some sharp discussions and arguments in the early church’s 
leaders, especially between St. Peter and Sr. Paut. 
These were finally adjusted by the “First Council of 
Jerusalem,”’ presided over by Sr. James, the Lorp’s 
brother, as we can read in Acts 15th chapter. It seems, 
according to some authorities, that the story of Cornelius 
was incorporated in the Acts by St. Luke to show the 
Jmws and early Christians of that time the fact that the 
salvation of Curist was intended for all classes and races 
of mankind, whoever had faith in Him and His teachings, 
whoever would acknowledge and confess their sins and be 


12 


baptised, would be on an equality in His church on earth 
and His kingdom in heaven. In any event, CORNELIUS 
was a most prominent and influential character in the 
community wherein he lived, and his conversion to 
Christianity, with his subsequent devout and pious life 
caused a large number of converts to the early church. 
Is it too much for us to assume that at once after his con- 
version and baptism, both by water and of the Hory 
Spirit, that Cornelius made haste to preach the glad 
tidings toevery one withwhom hecameincontact, his fellow 
officers and legionaries or whoever would give him a 
hearing, till large numbers were brought into the early 
church? 

lt is rather uncertain as to whether he continued any 
great length of time in the ImpEriau army, as there are 
traditions that he was consecrated by St. PETER as first 
bishop of CamsaREA, other authorities say he was the 
second, being preceded by ZaccHEus, mentioned in Sv. 
Luxe 19:2. Other traditions are that CoRNELIUS was 
consecrated by St. PrerEer as a bishop of Iurum, and 
according to some GREEK writers was sent by St. PETER 
as a bishop of SkEpsis, in Mysia on the HELLESPONT. 

There are even traditions to the effect that CoRNELIUS 
and the chief captain, CLtauprus Lysias, spoken of in 
Acts 21:23 & 23:33 were one and the same person, also 
that the centurion spoken of in St. LuKE 7: verses 2—10 
inclusive was CORNELIUS. 

(9) The soldiers who guarded St. PreTER when he was 
imprisoned by Kina Heron, in the early days of the 
CHRISTIAN church. As far as can be learned, their names 
have not come down to us even in tradition. See Acts 
12 for practically all the information we have about 
these men. 

(10) The chief captain (or centurion possibly) CLaupIus 
LysIas mentioned in Acts 21:31-40 inclusive, Acts 
22 :24—-29 inclusive, Acts 23:10-80 inclusive, Acts 24 
verses 7 and 22. According to an earlier paragraph, this 
officer was supposed to be the same as CoRNELIUs, but 
this has not been proven however. 


13 


This officer (CLauprius LystAs) held the very important 
post of chiliarch or military tribune of the ROMAN garrison 
stationedin JERUSALEM in the early days of the Apostolic 
church. First comes into prominence in connection with 
uproar in JERUSALEM as recorded in Acts 21:31-40 in- 
clusive, regarding his treatment of Sr. Paut and his ideas 
concerning him. As he would be held to account by the 
RoMAN government by the Procurator’s report to the 
Emperor for not maintaining order and discipline among 
the conquered Jews, he took two centurions with their 
soldiers down from the CastiEe of ANTONIA (which at 
that time was the headquarters of the Roman army in 
JERUSALEM), and forcing their way through the frenzied 
mob, seized St. Pauu and after binding him with two 
chains, led him back to the castle, intending later to 
scourge him as a disturber of the people. At that period 
in Jerusalem’s history there was a sect or class of religious 
fanatics called “‘Stcarit”’ or ““Dagger Men” and were 
described by JosEPHuUs and other profane writers as very 
active and prominent in JUDAEA in those days, more 
especially during the great religious festivals, when they 
would cause intense excitement and rioting by their 
accustomed habit of picking out their victim, stealthily 
and silently approaching him from the rear, then quickly 
and noiselessly stabbing him with the short dagger or 
sword they carried concealed in their flowing robes, made 
their escape by mingling with the crowd and sharing in 
the excitement which such an act would inevitably 
produce. For more extended details, consult the works 
of JOSEPHUS. 

Just prior to St. Paut’s arrest by Cuaupius Lysias, 
there had been an EayptiaAn, who had led out 4000 
*“Srcaru,’’ part of an army of probably 30,000 men, who 
after much tumult and disorder in JERUSALEM, retired to 
the wilderness. Seeing the disorder and excitement, the 
tribune took troops to quell it and disperse the mob. Sr. 
Paut having been apprehended and arrested as the 
leader of the disturbance, was led away to the CastTLE 
of AnToNIA, there to be scourged and imprisoned. On 


14 


learning from the centurion appointed to oversee the 
scourging that St. Pau. was a freeborn RomMaN citizen 
and had invoked the so-called ““Lex Porcta”’ in his 
behalf, CLauprus Lystas took immediate steps to prevent 
further indignities to him, sending him to CAESAREA by 
night under a guard of 200 foot soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 
200 spearmen, together with a letter to the PRocURATOR 
FELIx, securing from that official perhaps kinder treatment 
than that which otherwise might have been accorded him. 

There are some authorities who cast doubt on the letter 
of this officer, intimating that inasmuch as it was written 
in Latin, St. Luke would not have used it entirely, but 
merely quoted it from hearsay. But there are good 
reasons that the interview between Ciaupius Lysias and 
St. Pauu in regard to the latter’s claim to RoMAN citizen- 
ship is based on fact, for the tribune’s admission of the 
fact that he having paid a large amount of money to secure 
the coveted honor and distinction, while St. Paut’s plain, 
almost shabby appearance belied his statements, indeed 
the tribune was astonished that a native of Tarsus should 
look so poverty-stricken and actually be so poor and down- 
cast in countenance. It was a practice of the emperors of 
the CLAUDIAN line, and which lasted for a long time in 
Roman history, for the ruler to sell the privileges of RoMAN 
citizenship, high offices and places of preferment in the 
Empire for large sums of money, thus enriching the trea- 
sury, and bringing into power vast numbers of mercenary 
officeholers, who brought no credit on themselves and the 
office they held for the wisdom or abilities they possessed, 
and simply held their office because of their having paid 
more than their competitors were willing to give. It was 
frequently remarked in RoMAN conversation in those 
days, that a Roman official who held an office of any 
prominence in the province of Criuicrta (from which Sr. 
Pau came), for two years and was not much richer at 
that time than when he assumed office, could be considered 
stupid or one who did not take full advantage of his 
opportunities to replenish his exchequer. We have 


15 


practically no definite information as to the latter part of 
the life of CLauprus Lysras. 


(11) Who was the centurion or soldier spoken of in 
Acts 24:23 as the guardian or custodian of St. Pau. 
during his imprisonment in CAESAREA? His name does 
not appear in any of either the sacred or secular records, 
but apparently he was a kindhearted official, since he gave 
St. Paut the privilege of seeing and meeting his friends, 
who doubtless were not slow to take advantage of the 
opportunity to administer to the comfort and happiness 
of the ApostLE. It is unfortunate for us that some of 
these worthy characters’ names have been withheld from 
us by an allwise PROVIDENCE. 


(12) Who was Juttus, a centurion in Auaustus’ band? 
His name is mentioned in Acts 27th CHAPTER, verses 
land3 directly andthen possibly alluded to several other 
places through the chapter. Read the entire chapter to 
get a good idea of him. 


He first comes into notice as the centurion in command 
of the so-called AuGusTAN band, spoken of in Acts 27:1. 
This band has beeu described by JosEpuus as being largely 
made up of SEBASTENE or SAMARITAN auxiliaries, and 
formed a greater portion of the RoMaAN garrisons of 
Pa.LEsTINE. The racial and religious antipathies be- 
tween the JEws and SAMARITANS Were a constant source 
of irritation and open strife. JuL1us however seemed to 
be a different type of man from the usual RoMAN cen- 
turion, since he was possessed of a noticeable degree of 
kindness, especially toward St. Pau, as shown in Acts 
27:3. He also was quick to see the force of the apostle’s 
words concerning the cutting of the anchor ropes, as 
shown in Acts 27:31 and 32, neither did he believe in 
exercising any unnecessary cruelty, such as killing all the 
prisoners who were travelling to RoME at this time with 
St. Paut and his little company (as shown in Acts 
27:42 and 43) and which would have been permitted and 
carried out under the stern and unrelenting military régime 
prevailing at that time, which allowed and even condoned 


16 


such barbarous actions. It may also be safely assumed 
thai it was owing in large part to the good reports brought 
by Juxius to his superiors in Rome that Sr. Paun was 
accorded the privileges and favors allowed him, such as 
living ia his own hired house, permitting his friends to 
visit him in his cell, or as stated by some authorities, was 
even relieved of the guard’s coupling chain and allowed 
to have free and unrestricted conversation with these 
friends or visitors in an ante-room of the prison. 

Before leaving the character Jutius, it might be well 
to examine a little more closely something about this so- 
called ““AuGgustan”’ band, wherein Junius figures so 
prominently. 

From some profane writers we learn that there was in 
the Roman army at that period and which had come 
down from the time of the emperor AUGUSTUS, a certain 
picked body of troops called the *‘Conors PEREGRINO- 
RUM,” or Cohort of the Travellers, whose special duty 
seemed to be travelling back and forth to Roms, guarding 
prisoners of prominence. ‘The very act of so frequently 
meeting with and being in the company of such people of 
the type of St. Paun, St. LUKE and their travelling com- 
panions, made them a somewhat higher grade, intellec- 
tually at least, of soldier than the usual average legionary, 
and St. Luxe being such a quick-witted and discerning 
character, was not slow in taking cognizance of such a 
notable fact as the treatment of St. Paut on their voyage 
to Romr. Some authorities say that the name AUGUSTAN 
has no particular significance, but in all events, these 
soldiers must have been undoubtedly men of more than 
average intelligence and ability, invested with powers, 
rights and privileges not accorded to the regular troops. 
In our times, we might almost call them ‘Secret Service 
Men,”’ as their duties were very similar. According to 
some writers, this ““AuGustaN BANpD”’ only existed in the 
time of the Emprror HapriANn, but St. Luxe, being such 
a close observer and truthful writer and historian, expresses 
positively about the organization in his time, so conclude 
it must have been known in early Apostolic times. 


17 


We may well assume that since Jutrus and the members 
of his AuGusTAN cohort or band, or at least some of the 
principal officers, were sent to give dignity and grace, as 
well as represent the imperial power of Roms, when 
Porcrus Frstus ascended to the Procuratorship of 
JUDAEA, and had the privilege and opportunity of hearing 
Sr. Paut deliver his famous address before King Hrrop 
Aarippa II, such remarks were not without their usual 
results, so we may rest assured that if JuLIus was not 
entirely converted to Christianity, he had his opinions 
changed mightily concerning the new sect or religion. 
We are not told as to whether or not JULIUS ever person- 
ally met St. Pau at that time, or had conversation with 
him, but we may be sure that the Spirit of Gop strove 
earnestly with the worthy centurion, and in all probability, 
he was either won entirely to Christianity or led to view 
it in an entirely different aspect than he had before St. 
Paut’s address. We havebutlittleinformation regarding 
theearly history or antecedents of JuLius, his career oras 
to when, where, and how he died, but hesurely must have 
been a man of ability and worth, or he could not have 
enjoyed the confidences and friendship of AFRANIUS 
Burpuus or Burrus and Corsuto, Pretorian prefects of 
that day, as well as VespaAsIAN and Titus and many 
other leading characters of the military class or faction of 
Rome. 

(13) Who was the Captain of the Guard spoken of in 
Acts 28:16? From competent translators and con- 
temporary profane writers, we may safely assign the 
famous Pretorian prefect AFRANIUS BuRRHUs or BURRUS 
the place indicated by this title. Burruus, although he 
was one of those who caused Nero to ascend the throne, 
was not one of the same style of creatures as his imperial 
master. His name was honored then and has been since 
handed down to us as one who constantly endeavored to 
practice moderation and love of justice toward those who 
were imprisoned under his régime, and strove earnestly 
to inculcate those principles among the troops of his 
command. At the beginning of Nmro’s reign, he had 


18 


considerable influeace with that inhuman monster, and 
kept him pretty well under control, and repressed many of 
the earlier vicious inclinations of his reign. According to 
some authorities, BuRRuusS combined the offices of PRimE 
MINISTER with PRETORIAN PREFECT, thus having the civil 
as well as the military powers to support and carry out 
any laws or reforms he should see fit to have introduced 

and passed by the legislative bodies then holding office. 
He was quick to seein St. Paut that he was no common. 
man, no ordinary prisoner, but a victim of JEwIsH bigotry 
and intolerance. Doubtless he acted on some information 
received from JuLius, who had conducted the Apostle to 
Rome, and these facts combined with his proverbial 
moderation and love of justice, determined at all hazards 
to see that St. Paut should have a fair trial, and in the 
meantime while waiting for it, should be treated with 
such kindness and consideration as was in his power to 
bestow. But as is so frequently the case, BurRuvs had 
many enemies in and near the person and household of 
Nero, who was rapidly losing what little manhood and 
few ideas of wise, virtuous government he once possessed, 
and was degenerating into a mere animal by his vile 
habits, unbridled passions, unchecked extravagances, and 
had a host of informers, who to curry his royal favor and 
win some trifling gift from him, would stoop to any crime 
or hasten to bring some innocent person toabiased court, 
committing the most unblushing perjuries in their testi- 
mony, and rejoicing with fiendish glee when an innocent 
person or persons (especially among the despised sect of 
the CurRIsTIANS) was cruelly tortured or put to death in 
the amphitheatre. The noble nature of Burruus revolted 
at such crimes, and in his frank, manly way did not hesitate 
to denounce them, both in and out of NERO’s presence, 
and his enemies only too ready and happy to find some- 
thing by which to condemn him or bring him under the 
royal displeasure, accused him of disloyalty and aiding 
and abetting the enemies of RomnE, working so upon the 
EMPEROR’S whims and caprices as to actually make him 
believe that BuRRHUS was an avowed enemy and traitor 


19 


to his ruler and his government, and had Nero been 
influenced as quickly and readily for the right as he was 
for the wrong, he could have seen that these witnesses 
were giving false testimony, that the accusations had no 
basis of fact, and the whole affair was planned to get rid 
of BurRRuUS as soon as possible, so as to bring one of their 
own kind into power, so they could plan and carry out 
more of their nefarious schemes. Evil triumphed over 
good, and the worthy BurRruus was brutally slain in his 
own modest home sometime early in JUNE 62 A. D. about 
the same date as Nrro’s illfated first wife, the EmprREssS 
Octavia, to whom Burruus had been a true, devoted 
friend, strongly attached to her and her younger brother 
BrittTanicus and their cause, which was quite sufficient 
to bring upon him the wrath and hatred of the monster 
of infamy who occupied the imperial throne. 

(14) What information have we concerning URBANE, 
mentioned in the ErisTLE to the Romans 16:9? 

This soldier has been identified with a legionary named 
UrsBanus, one of St. Pauu’s devoted friends, admirers, 
and in all likelihood, helpers, while he was imprisoned in 
Rome. We are not informed exactly as to the nature of 
his labors with or for St. PAUL, or at what time he and the 
Apostle, or under what circumstances, but from some 
records we glean that a legionary named URBANUS was a 
bodyguard of Nero’s partner in crime, one AFRANIUS 
TIGELLINUS, and although the fact was unknown or un- 
suspected by his master, nevertheless was a firm friend 
and secret patron of the CHRISTIAN sect, afterward coming 
out boldly and confessing Curtist, thus bringing upon him 
the wrath and vengeance of Nero and ‘TIGELLINUS. 
URBANUS, we may well assume, must have undoubtedly 
been an officer or a man of marked ability and trust- 
worthiness, or we would not have found him in such a 
prominent, responsible position, at a time when every 
one who did not openly proclaim his devotion and undi- 
vided allegiance to the Emperor and the imperial power, 
also worship and flatter him to the extreme limit, would 
be immediately classed as a traitor, then subjected to 


20 


cruel tortures and death, after which their property and 
estates would be confiscated by the Emperor, and claimed 
as his own. Apparently, being an officer or some one 
vested with authority, UrBaNus at once took notice of 
St. PAu, perceiving that he was no common or ordinary 
prisoner, and did much to alleviate or mitigate the dis- 
comforts and sufferings in the dreaded Tullianum Prison. 
These little attentions may have been such as providing 
him with warmth, plain, wholesome food, and more 
comfortable quarters (if such a combination could be 
gotten together in a collection of cold, damp and wellnigh 
uninhabitable dungeons), affording him numerous oppor- 
tuaities to meet his friends, or anyone sincerely desirous 
of learning something concerning the new religion, insist- 
ing upon it that his guards were kindly disposed toward 
him, and that no undue or unnecessary violence was to be 
exercised upon him or his frieads when they called on the 
aged prisoner. From the meagre accounts we have of 
URBANus, we learn that he rose to a somewhat exalted 
position in the early church, one authority giving him the 
place of Bishop of Macrpontia, another that he was 
consecrated Bishop of Tarsus by St. PETER. 

URBANUS was one of many who suffered for his faith 
and died a martyr’s death during the reign of NERo. 
Being of a commanding figure and heroic cast of counte- 
nance he was selected to take the part of HERCULES in a 
heathen drama that was given for the special benefit of 
Nero, and after being compelled to take part ia what was 
distasteful and repugnant to him, both as a soldier and as 
a CHRISTIAN, then was forced to ascend a funeral pyre di- 
rectly in front of the Emperor and burned alive that the 
inhuman brute could see and gloai over his sufferings and 
death agonies. 

(15) Virauis. Although his name does not occur in 
the Seriptures, from one authority we learn that V1TA.is 
had a place in the ranks of the soldiers of the early 
apostolic church. He came into notice on account of 
having given encouragement and help to one of the 
saints of the early apostolic church, St. Ursinus, who was 


21 © 


eing ried for his faith in Curist before a judge named 
Pavutinus. On being suspected of embracing Christianity, 
VITALIS was brought before this same judge, and on 
confessing his faith with boldness, was sentenced to be 
first broken on the rack and then buried alive. He was 
the husband of St. VALERIA, who met a martyr’s death 
in Miuan, Iraty, and was the father of two fam- 
ous sons, St. GerRvasius and St. Prorasirus. Again 
it is reported that St. ViTaxis was converied to Chris- 
tianity during Sr. Paut’s first imprisonment in Roms, 
whether through the Apostle’s own efforts or one of his 
helpers, and suffered martyrdom in the first great perse- 
cution of the Christian Church in the year 60 A. D., by 
being burnc alive in the amphitheatre in full view of 
NERO. 

(16) Crxsus, a soldier supposed to have been one of 
St. Pauy’s guards. Although his name is not given in 
the Scriptures, from traditions related by profane writers, 
we have every reason to believe that Crexsus is entitled 
to a place in the ranks of the military men connected with 
the early Apostolic church. One writer says that CrELsus 
and a certain close, devoted friend and fellow-soldier, 
NAZARIUS, were converted at an early period to Curis- 
TIANITY, and proceeded at once to preach the GOSPEL 
through Traty and Gauxt. As may be supposed, their 
labors for the new religion brought upon them wrath 
and displeasure of Romer, (and if these traditions are to 
have any truth placed in them) were first imprisoned 
in MiLan and then beheaded in theso-called Basitica of 
the ApostLEs, in which location the bodies, still stained 
with blood and with severed heads were found by Sr. 
AMBROSE about three years before his death, which 
took place in 397 A. D. Another tradition has it that 
these two were martyred in NERO’s reign, as Ceusus had 
been converted to CurisTiaAniry under the preaching of 
St. Pau, whose jailer and later his guardian he had been, 
while connected with the PrReTor1AN guard attached to 
the Emperor's palace at Romer, and that atter he had 
attached himself to the new sect, his friend and fellow 


22 


soldier, by name Nazartus, had promptly accepted the 
ministrations of St. PauL, and become an humble, 
albeit an energetic member of the early church. CrLsus 
was but one of many of the imperial soldiery who by 
Gop’s providence, were thus brought into intimate contact 
and relations with St. Paun, who did not miss any oppor- 
tunity to speak a word in season, although he was human 
enough to be deeply interested in the life and doings of 
the world outside his prison, and doubtless conversed 
familiarly with his guards on secular topics as well as 
religious. It has been surmised thai it was in the course 
of some of these conversations between the Apostle and 
CrLsus, wherein the Pretorian hero described at length 
and in detail, some of his varied experiences in the different 
campaigns he had undergone, and when the Apostle had 
contemplated his armor and various weapons and their 
uses, gave some valuable hints to him and suggested to 
his fertile mind that he could employ them in some way 
to make plain to the minds of some of his converts in 
other cities and towns wherein he had labored during the 
course of his ministry, the actual reality of the Christian's 
warfare, with the necessary weapons to be employed in 
the spiritual warfare to be waged against the forces of 
sin and wickedness in the world, the precautions to be 
observed, as shown so accurately and vividly in EPHESIANS 
6th Cuap. verses 11-17 inclusive. By some writers, it 
has been thought that CeLisus became so devoted to the 
cause of St. Paun that he was ever ready to take other 
soldiers’ places and times of being chained to him, in 
addition to his own period of duty, as he was so anxious 
to be in his company, hear his words and render what 
services he could to cheer and brighten the dark hours of 
his imprisonment. Up till now, it has not been found 
possible to identify CreLsus with any Biblical character 
mentioned in the New TrstaMEntT, but we may be quite 
sure in Gop’s own way and time, it will be revealed to us. 

(17) PupENsS, mentioned in the second Epistle to 
Timotuy 4:21. It is a somewhat difficult matter to find 
the exact time and place ir which to locate and identify 


23 


him, although there are several traditions related of a 
character named PupEns in the early Christian centuries. 
In one, he is spoken of as the husband of CLaupia Rurtina, 
who was the daughter of a BrimisH king named CaRaAct- 
Acus or CoGIDUBNUS, at that time living with his wife 
and daughter almost as hostages for their tribe, the 
SiLuRI, who occupied modern WaLEs and who had given 
the ImprRIAL government several hard battles to the 
troops of the tribune AuLuUs PLautius, before he subdued 
them some time prior to 48 A. D. These Siturtt were 
restive under imperial rule, and did not all relish the idea 
that their king was virtually a prisoner of state in RoME, 
and little urging would have been needed to cause a rup- 
ture of their treaty promises, and declaring war upon 
the hated oppressors. However, the better element 
of the SrLurii were prevailed upon by Kina Caractacus 
to listen to the doctrines of Christianity, as it was preached 
during the governorship of AuLus PLautius43 A.D. The 
doughty old warrior was much impressed by the Gospel 
story, most probably by the doctrine of a future life and 
being reunited once more with deceased friends and 
kindred (since his wife had died some years previously), 
had openly declared his intentions of adopting the new 
religion, and was baptized together with several of his 
family and countrymen. His daughter had attracted the 
notice of the Governor, AuLus PuautTtius and his wife 
PomponiA GRECINA, whose promising son and heir, 
Avuuus, had died (some say by order of the cruel Emperor 
CLAupivs) aad on permission from her father had legally 
adopted her, giving her the love, care and attention that 
otherwise would have been bestowed ontheson. Although 
possibly at this time PupgEns had not been won entirely 
over to Christianity, nevertheless was much impressed 
by its teachings and the lives of its converts. Possibly 
too, the fact that PupENs was held in high esteem and 
regard by AuLus PuLavttus, his superior officer, as a brave, 
loyal assistant, one who could and did command the 
respect of officers and legionaries alike, and in the course 
of his duties frequently came into contact and intercourse 


24 


with the Governor’s family, had met and formed a strong 
attachment for Cuiaupta, afterward marrying her and 
living with her and her father in Rome near her foster 
parents. Another story told concerning PUDENs was that 
he was known as AuLus PupENs, whose wife, CLAUDIA 
RUFINA, was a character made famous by the Latrn poet 
Martrau. Her name, Cuaupis, would make it seem al- 
most possible that she was not of RomAN but of BRITISH 
birth and ancestry. Since so much of MaArRTIAL’s poetry 
is not of a high order or elevating style, and there being 
but few, if any hints as to his conversion to Christianity 
or friendliness to its teachings, it hardly seems possible 
or probable that a man of the stamp or type of PuDENS 
would care to associate much with MartIA.. 


However, the man PupENs spoken of in the reference, 
undoubtedly must have been on rather intimate terms 
with St. Paux (just how we are not precisely told) and 
must in some way as yet unknown to us, been connected 
with the events of his last imprisonment, since he and his 
wife CiauptA, together with Eusutus and Linus joined 
with St. Paut in sending greetings to TimoTHy as men- 
tioned in 2nd Tim. 4:21. 


While, as we have before stated, there has not been 
much spoken concerning the part played by PuDENS in 
the life of Sr. Paut and the early Christian church, there 
are several persons of his name, of RoMAN parentage, 
born of good family quite frequently, who had a prestige 
and a reputation in the community. We will leave the 
reader to decide which of the following descriptions answer 
for the subject of the sketch. 


AuLus PupEns—a soldier, the friend of Marriau the 
poet, and husband of a Britisu lady named Cuauptia. 

Titus Ciaupius PupEens—husband of CLaupia QUIN- 
TILLA, whose inscription to a lost child was found carved 
on a marble slab in the year 1722, between Romer and 
OsTIA. 

PupENns,—a son of PupENTIUS, a ROMAN citizen who 
gave to Kina CoenipusNnus of the Britons, the ground 


25 


on which was afterward built atemple to Neptune. This 
king CoGniDUBNUS or CARACTACUS was afterward con- 
verted to Christianity together with his family, and it was 
supposed to be his daughter Cuaup1a who married the 
Puprens of New TESTAMENT times. 


Marvius Pupens—who was employed by the Roman 
Emperor Otuo, to win over the friends of the EMPEROR 
GALBA to his (OTHO’s) cause. 


PupENsS—a member of the knightly faction of Romeg, 
who was killed in the siege of JERUSALEM, under the 
leadership of Titus, Emprror of Rome. 


PupENs—a Roman senator, according to some tradi- 
tions, entertained St. PrTEr at his own residence on the 
VimInau Hix, while the great Apostle was in RoME. 


PuprEns—father of PupENTIA and PRAxEpDEs, probably 
a character in the early church. Name appears about 
the year 160 A. D. 


Other authorities speak of PupENs as an ordinary 
soldier, who had no special claim for distinction, who 
probably took his turn with others in being chained to 
St. PAUL in prison. 


Another tradition concerning PupDENS of perhaps more 
than passing interest is the one relating to the story that 
probably the first large house of worship used by the 
Christians, that was not concealed from either the imperial 
authorities or troops, was the socalled Baths of Novatus, 
which PupENs bought, fitted out and presented to the 
early Christian community of Roms. It is said this build- 
ing has survived the havoc, destruction and hardships 
attending the various wars or political upheavals that have 
raged in and around Rome through all the centuries, 
can be readily found by the tourist, and seen among 
the relics of the ancient city. 


PupENS omitted. ‘There is also a tradition to the 
effect that PupENs, Aristarchus, aad Trophimus suffered 
martyrdom at the same time and place as did Str. Pauvt. 


26 


CONCLUSION 
{" THE curtain of silence falls on these military 


characters, what thoughts or suggestions are 

likely to arise in our minds regarding them? 
As a traveller on surmounting a difficult mountain, looks 
back to see what he has accomplished and forward, to 
discern what is before him, what higher and more difficult, 
more dangerous summits are to be scaled and conquered, 
so let us gaze upon the before mentioned “‘mighty men 
of valor’? and endeavor if possible, to see to what their 
lives, deeds and thoughts lead us. As we have learned 
that even though a tiny pebble be dropt upon the smooth 
surface of the mighty ocean, causes a series of waves, 
tiny and infinitesimal it is true, that they ultimately reach 
all over the earth, and has been recently stated by the 
eminent and lately deceased French astronomer Camille 
Flammarion, in his masterly book ‘‘ Dreams of an Astron- 
omer,’ that it is within the bounds of possibility and truth 
to believe that even the beating of aninfant’s pulse here 
on earth sooner or later will be felt in the extreme limits 
of space, so these military heroes left memorials and 
impressions behind them, that followed up and acted on 
by those coming across the pages of history after them, 
and which we too may do well to follow and hold up as 
examples to those coming after us. 

Is it to be thought for a moment by every reasonable, 
open-minded reader that each and every oae of these 
military men, more especially those who had come into 
direct personal contact with Christ, later on Saint Peter 
and Saint Paul, could not or did not receive some vivid 
and lasting impressions concerning them, their mode of 
living, how they conducted themselves under different 
occasions in life and finally when they were summoned 
to go to death, their behavior during their trial (providing 
they were granted a hearing and an opportunity of facing 
their accusers) and while the preparations were being 
made to deprive them of life. 


27 


As we know that St. Paul was a prisoner once over two 
years in Caesarea and possibly for a much longer period 
in Rome, and with the constant succession of guardian 
soldiers, changing at regular intervals, thus bringing very 
frequently an entirely new legionary into contact with 
the Apostle, we may be quite sure that he took advantage 
of his opportunity to present the cause of Christ to his 
jailer and great was his joy and satisfaction when first 
one then another confessed and forsook their evil ways 
and joined the rapidly growing ranks of the early apostolic 
church, were enrolled in the ranks of the church militant 
—asthereader is aware these legionaries came from all 
over the then known world. and naturally when their 
term of enlistment in the Imperial army had either expired 
or they were retired on a pension. perhaps by hard work 
or having performed some deed of bravery or extra 
labor. had showed great and unusual fidelity to the 
Imperial cause, went to their respective homes, taking 
with them lasting impressions of the saint whose jailer 
they had been and perhaps a precious roll containing parts 
of the Gospels or words of their prisoner. These weak 
feeble sparks of the divine fire, these few seeds of truth 
thus were carried to the ends of the earth, and under the 
guidauce and blessing of God, fell upon favorable condi- 
tions and burst into vigorous fires and healthy plants. 
The siruggling bands of humble believers ere long began 
to assemble in plainly built churches, which later on 
in many instances were displaced by elaborate brick, 
stone and marble edifices, with costly furnishings, such 
as stained glass windows, gold, silver and brass altars, 
pulpits and the like, with elaborately embroidered silken 
hangings and vestmenis, rare woods for pewsand so forth, 
such as we see exemplified in that justly famed house of 
worship, Santa Sophia, in Constantinople, said by some 
authorities to surpass even Sclomon’s Temple in Jerusalem 
in its magnificent grandeur. 

But the great masses of the people did not favor these 
elaborate houses of worship and furnishings, as they had 
begun to see that as they had understood the early saints 


28 


and soldiers of the early apostolic times did and would 
not countenance or tolerate such prodigality of expense, 
deeming that the money thus used could have been em- 
ployed to better purpose in ministering to the worthy 
deserving poor and suffering. Although we have as yet 
only fragmentary and incomplete information as to just 
how, when and where the successors of the dauntless, 
persevering soldier saints of the early apostolic age and 
times reached the various parts of the known world, yet 
we may be assured that God led His servants on to larger 
fields of usefulness, cheering and encouraging their hearts 
by causing those antagonistic to their views or ideas to 
become reconciled to the new faith, to make inquiries 
concerning it, to diligently study it, finally announcing 
their decision to renounce their old religion, aad cast 
in their lot with the worshippers of God. It is recorded 
that great numbers of people from the monarch on the 
throne down to the peasantry were baptized and added 
to the church membership, thus reminding us of the 
**seven thousand in Israel who bowed not their knees to 
Baal” as recorded in 1 Kings 19:18 and thus paving the 
way for the preservation of a godly seed through the 
centuries. Indeed, it may well be assumed that the 
Crusades were but the outgrowth of the vigorous, fiery 
preaching of some of these early pioneers of the apostolic 
church from thence all down through the ages, in the var- 
ious wars of or for religion (which may be studied more 
at length in the various histories and books of reference 
in the libraries) even the Great World War, we can readily 
see (if we examine closely) that the seed sown by the early 
military men did not lie dormant, but germinated and 
grew inio wonderful, bounteous harvests, to the credit of 
those who humbly and faithfully toiled at the beginning, 
and last but not least, to the honor and glory of God, 
who nurtured the tender growing plants, afforded the 
ways and means for producing large yields and at last, 
giving abundant harvests. Shall we too living in this 
wonderful period of the world’s history, hesitate to do 
our humble part in the ever growing Army of God? 


29 


Let us give a positive, decisive answer in the affirmative 
to this question, and may our Lord and Master help us 
to carry it into effect. 


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